Paul wrote the letter to the Romans to explain a very important point in
Christianity. He proves, by quoting the
Old Testament, that all humankind is guilty of
sin before God. People whom God calls righteous can only do so by trusting in God's ways, and not by their own effort.

Only by believing in
Jesus, who is the
Christ and who died for humanity for their sins, can people be saved.

Once this belief is had, the believer receives the
Holy Spirit, who helps the believer live a new life. Paul asks the Romans to observe Christian ethics and submit themselves to authorities.

The letter remains very influential in explaining to non-Christians and new Christians what their Christian belief is all about.